Liga Asuransi – Risk takers, how are you? Hopefully, you and your family will always be in good condition.
As a senior insurance broker, I want to discuss travel risks this time. This article was inspired by the experience of one of my colleagues.
A few years ago, I traveled with some friends to New Zealand. Since we arrived in Auckland, one of my colleagues has looked unwell. On the second day, he seemed to have a fever, and on the third day, he could no longer join the tour and was taken to the hospital.
While we continued our journey to several places, he remained hospitalized even when we returned to Indonesia; he was still treated and could not return. His wife and children also stayed with him.
A few days after we arrived in our homeland, we got the sad news that our colleague finally passed away. According to the observations, the virus infection caused the sickness.
So, the risk of travel is real, but that does not mean things like this discourage you from traveling.
All we need to do is prepare for the trip by paying attention to possible risks.
In Islam, traveling is known as a risky activity and is called “safar”, considered to be half dead. So those doing safar are given much devotion, including relaxation in prayers that can be simplified.
UNDERSTANDING TOURISM
Travel is an incredible opportunity to explore the world, experience new cultures, and create unforgettable memories. On this trip, we can see fantastic scenery, taste delicious local dishes, and interact with people different from us. However, like everything in life, travel also has its risks.
This article discusses the risks travelers may face during their tourist trips. In exploring a new destination, there are several aspects to consider, including physical, health, financial, social, and cultural risks.
Understanding these risks and taking appropriate precautions can help travelers face challenges wisely and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
In the next section, we will describe some of the physical risks that may occur, such as accidents, natural disasters, and crime. Next, we will discuss health risks that need attention, including infectious diseases, digestive disorders, and mental health.
In addition, financial risks such as cancellations or schedule changes, loss of valuables, emergency expenses, and medical care will also be discussed.
In dealing with the risks of travel, awareness of the challenges that may be faced and careful preparation are key. Travelers can make wiser decisions and take appropriate precautions by knowing the risks.
Through this article, the readers will better understand the risks of tourist travel and how to deal with them wisely. Thus, they can better plan their trips, minimize unwanted risks, and ensure a safe, meaningful, and satisfying travel experience.
WHY DO PEOPLE NEED TO TRAVEL?
Here is an explanation of the purpose of people traveling and its benefits:
- Recreation and Entertainment
One of the primary purposes of people traveling is for recreation and entertainment. They want to experience the excitement and fun offered by tourist destinations, such as visiting theme parks, beaches, national parks, or places of historical and cultural interest.
- Exploring and Learning New Cultures
Many people go on tourist trips to explore and learn a new culture. They are interested in understanding the world’s diversity, experiencing local customs, food, art, and traditions, and interacting with the locals.
- Adventure and Courage
For some, the primary purpose of traveling is to seek adventure and face challenges. They want to enjoy exploring new places and extreme activities such as hiking, diving, or challenging water sports.
- Relaxation and Recuperation
Many people use sightseeing trips as an opportunity to rest, break away from their daily routine, and recharge. They seek tranquility, natural beauty, spas, or resorts that offer relaxation and recovery facilities.
Travel Benefits:
- Increased Cultural Understanding and Diversity
Travel allows people to engage directly with different cultures. It helps increase understanding of different values, customs, and perspectives and encourages tolerance, respect, and mutual understanding between cultures.
- Development of Social and Communication Skills
Interacting with new people from different cultural backgrounds helps improve social and communication skills. Travel allows us to learn to adapt to different situations, communicate with the body and foreign languages, and build the ability to cooperate with different people.
- Reduces Stress and Improves Well-Being
Travel can be an opportunity to escape the stress of everyday and routine. Spending time in a new place, connecting with nature, and doing fun activities can relax and refresh the mind, thus improving overall well-being.
- Increased Knowledge and Insight
Through tourist trips, one can learn a lot about history, architecture, art, flora, fauna, and social and environmental issues in tourist destinations.
INDONESIANS’ TRAVEL INTEREST
The level of travel interest and tourist destinations of Indonesians can vary based on individual preferences, personal interests, and cultural factors. However, here are some levels of public tourist interest and popular tourist destinations among Indonesians:
- Nature Tourism
Many Indonesians are highly interested in nature tourism, especially because of Indonesia’s natural wealth, including mountains, beaches, and beautiful islands. Popular destinations in this category include Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo (to visit Komodo National Park), Lake Toba, Mount Bromo, Raja Ampat, and more.
- Cultural Tourism
Indonesia has a rich cultural diversity, and many Indonesians are interested in exploring and learning about the local culture. Destinations like Yogyakarta (to visit Borobudur and Prambanan Temples), Solo, Ubud (Bali), and Tana Toraja are popular destinations that offer immersive cultural experiences.
- Historical Tourism
Indonesia has a rich history and has attractive historical tourist destinations. Examples are Kota Tua in Jakarta, Candi Penataran, Candi Sukuh in East Java, and temple complexes in Central and East Java.
- Culinary
Indonesians also have a high interest in exploring traditional and modern culinary varieties. Destinations such as Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya are famous for their diversity of delicious food and snacks.
- Shopping Tour
Shopping is also a popular destination for many Indonesians. Destinations such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Bali offer a variety of shopping centers, traditional markets, and interesting boutiques.
- Religious Tourism
Indonesia has a strong religious diversity, and some Indonesians travel to visit sacred religious sites. Examples of religious tourism destinations include Tanah Lot (Bali), Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Borobudur, and Harau Valley in West Sumatra.
RISKS FACED WHEN TRAVELING
To find out what kind of risks can occur when you travel, please read the illustration below:
An Indonesian tourist, Rudi is on a solo trip to the United States. He visited several famous cities and planned to explore their natural beauty. However, bad luck befell him when he got into a severe car accident in the middle of his journey.
The challenges Rudi faced after the accident was mainly related to the cost of treatment and the need during treatment were:
- Medical Treatment Costs
Rudi had to receive urgent and intensive medical care after his car accident. He had to be hospitalized with expensive medical equipment and medical personnel. These costs can be very high and can pose significant financial stress for him.
- Insurance and Claims
Rudi had to take care of the travel insurance claims he had to cover the cost of medical treatment. However, the claim process can be complicated and time-consuming, and he may need to prove the correctness of the accident and the need for treatment with the appropriate documents.
- Accommodation and Daily Needs
Rudi may have to stay in a hospital or comfortable accommodation during recovery. This includes the cost of hospital rooms, food, and other daily necessities such as medicines, treatments, and any additional medical equipment that may be required.
- Family Support and Social Networks
Rudi may feel lonely and anxious while undergoing treatment away from his family and familiar surroundings. Emotional support and social networks are essential to help him overcome these challenges and provide moral support throughout his recovery.
- Transport and Recovery
After being hospitalized, Rudi may still need assistance in terms of transportation to return to Indonesia. If her condition requires follow-up or physically limited care, she may also need assistance in terms of travel and recovery after arriving home.
In facing this challenge, Rudi must rely on help from family, friends, or organizations that can help in emergencies abroad. He should also communicate well with travel insurance representatives and hospitals to ensure all administrative processes run smoothly.
Awareness of the importance of travel insurance that covers health and recovery coverage in international travel is essential. Rudi learned that careful preparation and planning, including choosing the appropriate insurance, can help protect him from the impact of accidents and minimize financial stress.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS FACED WHEN TRAVELING?
In addition to accidents, several other types of risks can be faced when traveling, including:
- Health
Health risks include illness and injury during travel. This can include stomach ailments, infections, respiratory distress, minor injuries, health problems arising from environmental changes, or a different diet.
- Security
Security risks include theft, loss of valuables, or being the victim of a crime such as fraud, pickpocketing, or robbery. Especially in destinations with a high crime rate, travelers should exercise caution and take appropriate security measures.
- Natural Disasters
Natural disaster risks include earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, tropical storms, or volcanic eruptions. Some destinations are at higher risk of natural disasters, and travelers need to follow warnings and directions provided by local authorities.
- Transportation
Transportation-related risks include accidents, flight delays, cancellations, or other travel issues. In some cases, risks are associated with unsafe or unreliable public transportation, and it is necessary to do good research and preparation.
- Finance
Financial risks include unexpected expenses, over-budgeting, or losing money or credit cards. This can happen due to unexpected medical expenses, cancellations, or changes to travel plans or activities involving additional costs.
- Communication and Language
Communication and language-related risks include difficulty communicating with locals or staff who must be fluent in English. This can hinder understanding important information, getting help in emergencies, or interacting with others.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS COVERED BY TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel insurance can provide various guarantees to policyholders following the terms and coverage the policy offers. Here are some guarantees that travel insurance can generally provide:
- Emergency Medical Protection
Travel insurance can cover the cost of emergency medical treatment if the policyholder experiences illness or injury during the trip. It covers the cost of visits to doctors, hospitals, inpatient care, medications, and necessary medical procedures.
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
Suppose the policyholder requires emergency medical evacuation or repatriation to the country for health reasons. In that case, travel insurance can cover the cost of air evacuation, repatriation of the body, or special medical transportation.
- Trip Cancellation or Change
This guarantee can provide non-refundable reimbursement of travel expenses if the policyholder has to cancel or change travel plans for guaranteed reasons, such as illness, injury, family death, or an unforeseen emergency.
- Lost Baggage
Travel insurance can reimburse the loss or damage suffered to the policyholder’s baggage during the trip, including loss, theft, or damage.
- Legal Responsibility
This guarantee protects the policyholder from legal claims arising from damage or injury caused by the policyholder to third parties during the trip.
- Transportation Delays
Suppose the policyholder experiences significant delays on flights, trains, or other public transportation that has been booked. In that case, travel insurance can reimburse additional costs, such as accommodation or alternative transportation.
- 24-Hour Emergency Assistance
Travel insurance often provides a 24-hour emergency assistance service that can be contacted for information, medical assistance, or assistance in emergencies such as loss of essential documents or theft.
Remember that these guarantees may vary depending on the type of policy, insurance company, and level of coverage chosen. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read the policy terms and discuss them with the insurance company before purchasing travel insurance.
Make sure before you go on a trip that your insurance is valid!
WHY DO TOURISTS NEED TO GET A TRAVEL INSURANCE POLICY FROM AN INSURANCE BROKER?
Using an insurance broker to get travel insurance or travel insurance has several advantages, including:
- Access to Many Options
Insurance brokers have access to various insurance companies and different insurance products. By using a broker, you can get a wider choice of coverage, premiums, and policies that suit your needs and preferences.
- Expert Knowledge
Insurance brokers are professionals who are trained and experienced in the insurance industry. They have in-depth knowledge of insurance products, terms, conditions, and claims processes. Using a broker, you can leverage their knowledge and experience to obtain expert advice that helps you understand and choose the right policy.
- Comparative Analysis
Insurance brokers can conduct a comparative analysis of available insurance products. They can compare coverage, premiums, benefits, and terms from different insurance companies to help you get a policy that best fits your needs and budget.
- Claims Handling
Insurance brokers can assist in claims handling. Suppose you experience an event that requires an insurance claim. In that case, a broker can assist you by coordinating the claims process, advising on requirements and necessary paperwork, and ensuring that the insurance company handles your claim quickly and efficiently.
- Continuing Service
Insurance brokers provide ongoing service to their clients. They can assist in updating insurance policies, changing policy details, giving advice on adding additional coverage, or answering questions and concerns you have regarding your travel insurance.
One of Indonesia’s leading insurance broker companies that focuses on providing travel insurance is L&G Insurance Broker.
For all your insurance needs, contact L&G now!
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L&G HOTLINE 24 HOURS: 0811-8507-773 (CALL – WHATSAPP – SMS)
website: lngrisk.co.id
E-mail: customer.support@lngrisk.co.id
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